Joe Crowley: “Starting Friday, careless and devastating across-the- board spending cuts will hit America's economy and stifle our…”

“Starting Friday, careless and devastating across-the- board spending cuts will hit America's economy and stifle our recovery. But the only thing my colleagues on the other side of the aisle can say is: It's about time. Do we need to address our Nation's deficit? Absolutely. But cutting 750,000 American jobs, food safety inspections, and health care benefits for our 9/11 first responders isn't the right way to do it. The U.S. can't lead the world in medical research if we aren't funding the National Institutes of Health. We can't protect ourselves from cybersecurity threats if the very people who work on this issue are laid off. And we can't expect our children to compete in tomorrow's global economy if we deny them access to critical programs like Head Start today. It doesn't have to be this way. Democrats and President Obama have a solution. Our plan will put an end to the slash-and-burn cuts and replace it with reductions to our deficit through the closure of tax loopholes and an end to wasteful spending. So, Mr. Speaker, there's a way out. There's another path forward that will ensure we protect investments in our Nation's future. I will ask that tomorrow the Speaker ask unanimous consent to bring up H.R. 699, a balanced plan to reduce our deficit. The SPEAKER pro tempore. As the Chair previously advised, such a request cannot be entertained absent appropriate clearance. ____________________”